Robert Sanchez

Reliable access to the internet is the most important component of successful learning as we continue to work within the realities of a global pandemic.

As House Chair of the Education Committee, I am looking forward to the renewed effort to make broadband internet more accessible to Connecticut residents, particularly those in underserved households.

Some of the goals are:

 

• Increase access to high-speed broadband internet through building out all unserved areas
  • Set universal broadband access goals for the state by September 2022;
  • Repeal the prohibition on the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) from requiring internet service providers to provide access to all residents where they have video licenses; and
  • Require internet service providers to report annual metrics such as availability, download and upload speeds, and outage information.
• Reduce exorbitant costs of building broadband internet access in Connecticut
  • Adjust the permitting process to reduce time and costs to install broadband internet access in utility poles, and hold pole owners accountable to issue permits in a timely manner;
  • Require PURA to develop a one-touch make ready process to be implemented by utility pole owners; and
  • Implement dig-once policies to provide ready-made buried conduits.
• Streamline agency efforts to ensure effective creation and coordination of goals and standards
  • The Connecticut Office of State Broadband, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Administrative Services, will establish broadband goals and standards;
  • The Office of State Broadband and the Office of Policy and Management will develop a robust, fiber-mapping program to understand gaps and accessibility; and
  • The Office of Broadband access, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Administrative Services, and the Department of Transportation, will coordinate and support businesses with their broadband needs.
• Establish better consumer protections for consumers across the state by giving oversight of complaints to PURA
  • Provide PURA with the ability to oversee business and consumer complaints regarding broadband internet to more effectively manage penalties for non-compliance;
  • Prevent providers from refusing service to customers due to race, religion, sexual orientation, or financial standing (i.e. credit score); and
  • Ensure no interference with consumer use of internet for all legal purposes.

I will be following this issue closely and supporting its passage this legislative session.

Read Press Release Here.